By: Jess Newton (left), customer and Inspire Volunteer at Terry Street in Hull (pictured with Eileen Gammon, her Support Worker)

Things weren’t going so well at home and my family were finding my mental health issues difficult to deal with. I knew my parents still loved me but staying at home wasn’t the right thing for me at that time.

When I became homeless I was given help at the Futures Assessment Centre on Roper Street.  I received emergency accommodation and advice about my housing options, and was then offered accommodation at Terry Street Young Person’s Centre in Hull.

When I came for my interview the team were really welcoming and reassuring. I was given help with budgeting and can now make my money last week instead of days. My confidence has really improved.

I attend regular Cooking on a Budget classes with HYPE and have learnt how to cook healthy meals that do not cost too much to make. Inspire Communities has been a great help too. I started volunteering with Inspire a few months ago helping to host Alzheimer’s groups at a local community centre. We help people look up their family tree and talk about their life experiences. It has a real community feeling and I love getting to know the people here.

 I have a great feeling that I’ve accomplished something positive when I get home from Inspire Communities. Its really enjoyable meeting people from different cultures and taking part in the activities. Volunteering hasn’t just helped me with my confidence, I’ve also gained certificates in IT through the Learn My Way online training course. In the future I hope to gain my own accommodation and train to become a nurse.